Mountain roads, fine wines: epicurean escapes by car

Few experiences rival the allure of winding mountain roads, sunlit vineyards, and the anticipation of a fine glass of wine at journey’s end, writes Ivy Carter in her sponsored debut post for GoTR.

For those who seek both adventure and indulgence, a road trip through wine country offers a harmonious blend of breath-taking landscapes, refined flavours, and moments of quiet wonder.

Each mountain curve reveals not only a new vista but also fresh scents and flavours, reminding travellers that the path itself is as rewarding as the destination.

The Allure of Mountain Road Travel

Mountain roads, unlike fast-moving highways, insist that you slow your pace.

Each bend becomes an invitation to pause, to immerse yourself in pine-scented breezes, jagged cliffs, and sweeping valleys.

For the wine traveller, these meandering routes heighten anticipation, every curve drawing you nearer to a hidden vineyard cradled within the hills.

Even the smallest details can xenhance the journey. The subtle fragrance of a wood car freshener, mingling with crisp mountain air, lends the ride a quiet elegance, a sensory overture to the refined pleasures waiting at the road’s end.

Wine Regions Worth the Drive

An exceptional road trip deserves an equally remarkable destination. Across the world, mountain wine regions weave together elevation, terroir, and centuries of tradition, producing vintages with unmistakable character.

The following destinations stand among the most rewarding journeys for the epicurean traveller.

Napa Valley, California

Renowned as the crown jewel of American viticulture, Napa Valley’s winding roads unfurl between sunlit hills and vine-covered slopes. Along the way, travellers may pause at intimate, family-run estates or explore the grandeur of world-famous producers. With more than 400 wineries, Napa is a destination best savoured slowly - its beauty unfolding in equal measure on the road and in the tasting glass.

Mendoza, Argentina

At the foot of the Andes, Mendoza’s mountain roads seem to open directly onto paradise. Snow-dusted peaks tower above endless rows of malbec vines, a striking contrast that defines the region’s beauty. Elevation and climate conspire here to yield bold, expressive wines that mirror the rugged spirit of their birthplace. To drive through Mendoza is to trace the edge of the world, where each sip draws you deeper into the richness of the land.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany’s undulating hills and timeworn villages seem destined for leisurely drives. Vineyards sprawl across the landscape, often intertwined with olive groves and cypress-lined lanes. Nowhere is this more enchanting than in Chianti, where every turn reveals a vista worthy of a Renaissance canvas. Paired with rustic Tuscan wines and robust regional fare, the journey becomes an epicurean escape destined to linger in memory.

Pairing the Journey with Culinary Delights

Local Food Along the Road

No wine journey is complete without the flavours that accompany it. Along mountain roads, travellers encounter towns where culinary traditions flourish, each dish telling the story of its land. Imagine savouring wood-fired pizza in a Tuscan piazza, pairing malbec with empanadas in Mendoza, or sampling artisanal cheeses beside Napa’s bold cabernet sauvignons. These encounters nourish both body and spirit, elevating the road trip into a feast for the senses.

Picnics in Scenic Spots

Part of the magic of mountain travel lies in the freedom to pause wherever beauty beckons. A picnic basket filled with local bread, cured meats, and a carefully chosen bottle transforms any overlook into a private banquet. As the sun dips low, casting golden light over vineyards and peaks, these quiet meals become among the most cherished memories of the road.



The Sensory Experience of Epicurean Travel

An epicurean escape by car transcends the act of tasting wine; it awakens all five senses, weaving them together into an experience as immersive as it is unforgettable.

Sight

Rolling vineyards, snow-clad summits, and serpentine roads compose a living masterpiece. Through every glance at the windshield, the journey reveals a new tableau - a landscape painted in motion.

Sound

The low hum of the engine merges with nature’s chorus: rustling leaves, rushing streams, and the distant call of birds. With the windows down, the car itself becomes an instrument in the mountain’s symphony.

Smell

The fragrance of ripening grapes, rich soil, and fresh herbs rises from the vineyards, blending with the crisp purity of mountain air. These aromas linger, heightening the anticipation of the wines that await.

Taste

Each glass reflects its origin - the soil, the climate, and the care of those who nurtured it. Paired with regional cuisine, these flavors anchor the traveller to the land, creating a connection that endures long after the final sip.

Touch

The journey resonates even in touch: the firm grip on the steering wheel around a sharp bend, the texture of vineyard soil between your fingers, the cool weight of a wine bottle cradled in hand. Every tactile moment grounds the experience in reality.

Tips for Planning an Epicurean Escape by Car

Choose the Right Vehicle

Comfort and capability are essential on mountain roads. Select a vehicle with responsive handling and ample space for your wine finds. For those who crave openness, a convertible invites both fresh air and unbroken views.

Plan Winery Visits Strategically

Many esteemed wineries, particularly in regions such as Napa or Tuscany, require advance reservations. Map your itinerary thoughtfully, but leave space for serendipitous detours. Often the most memorable stops are those unplanned.

Stay Safe and Balanced

Wine and winding roads demand moderation. Designate a driver, make use of tasting spittoons, or secure nearby accommodation before continuing. Safety preserves both the joy of the trip and the memories it creates.

Capture the Moments

Carrying a camera or keeping a journal, sunrise over the Andes or twilight in Napa deserves to be remembered. Beyond images, personal notes on wines, meals, and reflections transform the journey into a narrative you can revisit for years to come.

Images: Tanya Nedelcheva on Unsplash (top) and Daniel Vogel on Unsplash

Gladstones to showcase Western Australia's best drops

Perth's Crown complex is to gain a new wine bar.

Construction is underway on Crown Perth’s latest venue - a premium wine bar celebrating Western Australia’s rich wine heritage.

The wine bar will be named as a tribute to Dr. John Gladstones AO, whose pioneering research identified Margaret River’s potential as one of the world’s great wine-producing regions.

Located between Crown Towers and Crown Metropol, Gladstones "will be an intimate and luxurious space for hotel guests, visitors and theatregoers, seating around 50 people".

New concept images showcase the setting (above).

The "carefully curated" wine list (aren't they alll?) will highlight Western Australia’s award-winning producers alongside a selection of glob wine choices.

Guests will also have the opportunity to treat themselves to a limited list of premium quality drops and outstanding vintages by the glass.

Crown Perth CEO Brian Pereira said the venue is both a fitting nod to the past, while celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the state’s wine culture now.

“Gladstones will offer a truly exceptional experience for our guests, showcasing the best wines Western Australia and the world have to offer - while still being accessible to anyone celebrating a night out or a special occasion at Crown.”

Dr. Gladstones’ daughter, Helen Gladstones, said she was proud of her father’s legacy and to see his influence recognised.

“It’s lovely to see Crown recognising what he did - not loudly and not with fanfare - but with quiet conviction.

“That seed he planted changed the future of wine growing in our state, laying the groundwork for something much bigger than himself. I know he’d be quietly delighted to see how far it’s come.”

Loire reds offer a different taste of France

Australians drink a lot of Champagne. Wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux are popular with aficionados, while the Rhone also has its fans and wines from the Languedoc sell well through major chains.

The Loire Valley, however, is often overlooked. 

The Loire wine region stretches across western France from the Muscadet vineyards near the city of Nantes on the Atlantic coast to the Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé vines that lay just south-east of the city of Orleans in central France.

Among the leading wine producing regions are Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil, Chinin and Vouvray with grape varieties ranging from whites made from chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc and melon de Bourgogne to reds crafted from cabernet franc, pinot noir and gamay.

These are generally stylish, lighter-bodied and layered wines that are very food friendly.

With Crémant-style production throughout the Loire, it is the second-largest sparkling wine producer in France.

The Loire has a long history of winemaking dating all the way back to the 1st century.

The region is currently promoting its wares in Australia, with a focus on reds showcasing cabernet franc, pinot noir, and gamay).

The Val de Loire PGI spans 14 departments with 30 grape varieties with 50% of all cabernet franc in France grown in the Loire.

Pinot noir and gamay are often enjoyed lightly chilled. They are found largely in Touraine and Saumur.

There is a focus on sustainability in the region with 85% of vineyard areas either organic or certified under environmental programs.

Among the red Loire offerings available in Australia are: 

• ‘Les Rouillères’, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Frédéric

Mabileau $37.10

• ‘Confidences’, Chinon, Cabernet Franc, Famille Bougrier $19.99

• ‘Les Terres Rouges’, Saumur-Champigny, 2021, Arnaud Lambert $44.99

• ‘La Chapelle’, Anjou, Cabernet Franc, Château de Fesles $52

• 'Cote 50', Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Yannick Amirault $39.99

• Touraine, Gamay, Thierry Delaunay $21.99  

For more details see https://www.vinsdeloire.fr/en

How buying a bottle of wine might win you $10,000

One of Australia's most popular wine brands is to punt on a new game of chance.   

Yalumba wine brand Y Series is to give shoppers the chance to win $10,000 in a competition running from September to December 2025 across Australia and New Zealand.

The Y Series $10K Your Way campaign will have a first prize of three $10,000 grand prizes in cash or travel vouchers to three winners across the two countries. 

There will also be secondary Instant Win prizes including 100 x $100 Ticketek gift cards.

Established in 2002 by the Hill-Smith family, Y Series is a best-selling range. 

Y Series was created "to make great wine minus the fuss - just easy-going, flavour-packed wines for any occasion," the family says. 

Eligible Y Series products - including the Australian best-seller Y Series Pinot Grigio - will be in store from September 1 through to December 31. 

The competition will be activated in-store, online, through social media, and in retail media.

You can find Y Series wines in major retailers including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, and in independent retailers including Bottlemart, Thirsty Camel and Sip’n Save. 

Family story behind a stellar Coonawarra cabernet

There is a poignant story behind the outstanding Silent Partner Cabernet Sauvignon releases from Brand and Sons/Jim Brand Wines.

The label's founder, leading Coonawarra winemaker Jim Brand, died 20 years ago at the age of just 52, but his wine philosophies still guide his son Sam Brand and team's direction.

"The Silent Partner is a reference to Dad's on-going influence on everything that we do," says Sam Brand.

The Brand family sent me a vertical of the Silent Partner; from the smooth 2013 to the pre-release 2023, and there was a common thread of class and elegance throughout the wines, although the recently bottled 2023 was still a little feisty.

The 2013, 2020, 2021 and 2022 all offer outstanding examples of Coonawarra cabernet quality at a very fair price of $40.

The wines are made in small quantities but are well worth seeking out.

The first vintage was made as a tribute to Jim Brand in 2005.

"All of the fruit comes from our ‘Yates’ vineyard in what we call the ‘Mid-West’ of Coonawarra on a combination of Red Terra Rossa and Brown Redzina soils," says Sam Brand.

"Our winemaker Peter Weinberg spent six years under Dad’s tutelage at Brands Laira and knows well the techniques and style he preferred.

"Oak regime involves predominantly French oak, but only 20-30% new."

That oak is often from cooper Seguin Moreau, whose barrels were a favourite of Jim Brand (below).

"Producing the quintessential Coonawarra cabernet was always the goal," Sam Brand adds "with a wine style that had full flavour, density, recognisable regionality, but importantly that you could have a second glass of."

That's a key element these days, with big, American-oaked reds often so big that one glass is enough. Here there is power, but also impressive balance - and classic Coonawarra characters shine.

The pricing has remained at $40 per bottle for well over a decade - making the Silent Partner outstanding value for money.

The current vintage is 2021 - it is a very complete wine, and my favourite, along with the soon-to-be released 2022, one to look forward to.

See https://brandandsons.com.au/jim-brand/

From camel skewers to squidlipops: Dark Mofo's Winter Feast to push boundaries

Dark Mofo's Winter Feast is promising to dish up a mixture of old favourites and rising culinary stars.

The the food and drink element of the winter solstice festival will returns to the Nipaluna/Hobart waterfront for eight nights of feasting next month.

The waterfront location will welcome over 70 stallholders along with music, firelight and community vibes.

‘The Winter Feast is the warm, beating heart of Dark Mofo," says Dark Mofo artistic director Chris Twite.

"Gathered around fires and feasting by candlelight, it’s where we come in from the cold to share stories of where we've been and what we've seen. Eating together - friends, strangers, locals, visitors - is an important festival ritual, and the staggering array of incredible food on offer means there is always something for everyone.’

The Feast will welcome guest chef Niyati Rao from acclaimed Mumbai restaurant Ekaa, who will collab with Craig Will, Bianca Welsh and James Welsh from Stillwater in Launceston.

Other food collaborations include Thi Le + Fat Pig Farm, which sees award-winning Melbourne chef Thi Le teaming up with locals Fat Pig Farm; Salvage Drink Co. X Braised presenting infused cocktails paired with spiced offerings from Hobart's premium lamb providore; and Marla Singer X L’Appel Wines pairing an octopus slider with pinot noir.

Chef Analiese Gregory makes her return to the fires of the Feast, this year bringing a taste of the Tasmanian sea. She’ll be serving up skewers of baby abalone, shiitake and black garlic, grilled over fire (top image).

New Feast stallholders include Dark Dogs, serving their take on dagwood dogs; wine bar South will presents a slow-cooked possum bao; Elle’s Pantry will have pockets stuffed with seasonal pickles, tabbouleh, and green harissa hummus; and Bass Strait Seafood & Co by Sabina Newton will offer dishes ranging from creamy chowder to buttery marinara.

Joining the new stallholders will be familiar favourites, from Lilly Trewartha’s katsu sando, to Queen Sheba’s injera with slow-cooked chicken; Soufra & Co’s folded layers of filo pastry and custard baked fresh to order, to the famous squidlipop from Formosa Bites (above).

Fresh from his appearance on ABC’s Eat the Invaders, Mona’s executive chef Vince Trim is back with Heavy Metal Kitchen, eating the problem with a feral feast: fire-charred camel, skewered and served with an array of spiced and braised condiments.

Visitors can wash the dishes down with new offerings from New Norfolk’s Welcome Swallow Brewery, fizzy blush from Common Wine, or a Pressing Matters pinot noir.

Mona’s own wineries - Moorilla and Domaine A - will be on site, along with Moo Brew.

Amanda Vallis, the Winter Feast curator, says: ‘The food community in Lutruwita/Tasmania is one of the best things this island has to offer, and nowhere is it more pronounced than when everyone comes together to feast around the fires in the depths of winter.

"Whether it’s a hot take on a dagwood dog, or the flavour explosion offered by a guest chef all the way from India, the Winter Feast is sure to fill your cup and feed your soul.’

A number of events will celebrate the power of music, storytelling and First Nations cultures.

The Winter Feast takes over Salamanca Lawns and Princes Wharf Shed 1 and runs and runs on both weekends of the festival: Thursday June 5-8 and June 1-15.

Season passes are available via darkmofo.net.au/winter-feast

As part of the Winter Feast’s commitment to reaching zero waste, all stallholders will use compostable crockery and cutlery, with reusable cups and schooners available for beverages. The Feast is also a completely cash-free event.

# Dark Mofo is Tasmania’s mid-winter festival celebrating the dark through large-scale public art, food, music, fire, light, and noise, in Hobart.

Images: Dearna Bond, Dark Mofo  

Vinarchy in SA: global wine giant has big plans for South African brands

The giant new Vinarchy wine business includes two South African brands known for producing affordable bottles.

Straight after taking over Pernod Ricard’s still wine portfolio in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, Vinarchy confirmed the new brand has big plans for Flagstone and Kumala brands, which were previously part of Accolade.

Accolade was bought out of effective bankruptcy two years ago by a consortium of international backers led by global investment house Bain & Co.

Kumala’s wines are produced in several key areas within the Western Cape, including Olifants River, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.

Flagstone, based at Somerset West, occupies the site of a former De Beers dynamite factory an sources fruit from vineyards that stretch from cool Walker Bay region to the warmer Darling district.

The South African labels - which offer the benefit of lower production costs - are part of a stable of brands including Jacob’s Creek, Hardys, St Hugo, Petaluma, St Hallett and Orlando from Australia; Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh, Church Road and Mud House from New Zealand; and Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus and Azpilicueta from Spain.

“South African wine is an important category for our retail customers, particularly in Europe and the UK,” said Ben Clarke, Vinarchy’s executive chair.

“Flagstone and Kumala cater to that market. Our brands will continue to have their own identities under Vinarchy, with the benefit of being part of a global network.

“Through our global distribution network, we are incredibly proud to share our wines in almost every corner of the world,” Clarke told drinksbusiness.

“Our portfolio has something to offer everyone and every hip pocket, from premium fine wine to some of the world’s most popular global brands.”

So expect to see more of the South African brands on the global stage - particular in supermarkets and at lower price points.

“Labour accounts for 60% of any vineyard’s operating costs, and in the South African context, we have sufficient labour,” says Dr Erna Blancquaert, a lecturer at Stellenbosch University.

From wine to whisky: all change on the Hobart waterfront

All change on the Hobart waterfront.

Callington Mill Distillery today announced it will take over the lease of the waterfront venue on the ground floor of the Macq01 hotel in Hobart.

The venue, previously operated by Frogmore Creek Wines, will serve as the distillery’s new city location from May.

It will "offer a space to showcase their world-class Tasmanian whisky and be a gateway for visitors to explore their home base in Oatlands".

Frogmore Creek, which designed and opened the Macq01 location in 2017, has enjoyed success using the venue to promote their premium Tasmanian wines and drive visitors to its cellar door and restaurant in Cambridge.

The revamped venue will see whisky and wine showcased together.

John Ibraham, owner of Callington Mill Distillery, said: “We’re excited to extend our brand’s reach to Hobart and offer our visitors a chance to experience Callington Mill Distillery before they make the journey to our Oatlands distillery.

Callington Mill Distillery built its distillery in the historic town of Oatlands, an hour north of Hobart but off the tourism track.

Frogmore Creek, under the leadership CEO James Skabo, is in the midst of a 60-hectare vineyard expansion, responding to the increasing market demand for premium cool-climate Tasmanian wines.

It will continue to operate its restaurant, cellar door, and function centre Cambridge.

“We are excited about the coming years and opportunities, including expanding our working relationship with John and the team at Callington Mill, as we both strive to build iconic Tasmanian brands," Skabo said.

"In the coming months, we look forward to enjoying a whisky on the waterfront and embracing this exciting new chapter in Hobart’s hospitality scene.”

Further details regarding the new offerings and experiences at the venue will be announced closer to the opening.

Burgundy wine producers target Australia

Wine producers from Bourgogne (Burgundy) are targeting Australian consumers, perhaps a wise move given the tariff madness going on in the US.

The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) has announced its return to the Australian market, introducing the concept of “Take A Closer Look” and inviting Australians to take a fresh look at the region’s iconic wines.

While high-end Burgundies can be frighteningly expensive, the campaign will aim to promote more affordable options, including wines from Chablis and the Macon region.

A three-year communications campaign will feature initiatives with trade professionals, media, and consumers, who will be able to explore what defines Bourgogne wines, offering a deeper connection to the region and its winemaking heritage.

Renowned for its exceptional wines, Burgundy is also home to a rich diversity of lesser-known appellations including Rully, Monthélie and Bouzeron.

Petit Chablis and Chablis will also be in the spotlight, with consumers invited to rediscover these already well-loved wines from a fresh perspective.

Austraiia is currently the 14th-largest market for Bourgogne wines by volume.

White wines are at the forefront of Bourgogne’s exports to Australia, representing 65% of all volumes exported to the market.

“There is growing interest in lesser-known appellations like Bourgogne AOC and Mâcon," says François Labet, President of the Bourgogne Wine Board.

"Notably, exports of the Mâcon appellation nearly tripled in 2023. The dynamic between Bourgogne and Australia is vibrant and evolving: the new campaign will definitely strengthen this.”

A new cellar door in the Hunter that's well worth discovering

 

There are a handful of cellar doors that anyone visiting the Hunter Valley for the first time will want on their itinerary. 

Pre-eminent among them will be Tyrrell's, Mount Pleasant and Brokenwood.

Once you've ticked off that trio you are spoilt for choice with dozens of venues offering myriad wine styles and experiences. 

One of the latest arrivals is Latitude 32, where we visited this week and were hosted by the friendly and knowledgeable Zac. 

On the site of the former Mistletoe operation, there is a relaxed but professional vibe - and lovely gardens. A range of structured tastings are on offer. 

We were guided to Latitude 32 by Newcastle Herald wine writer Rick Allen, GoTR's Hunter correspondent, who told the winery's story a few weeks ago. I particularly loved the 2023 The Matriarch Chardonnay.

Here are Rick's words: 

Latitude 32 owners Emma and David White aren’t your everyday wine couple.

“We’re learning the wine game on the run,” English-born Emma is happy to admit.

They respect the Hunter’s tradition, but aren’t shackled by it.

The couple bought the 50-acre property in Pokolbin, including 15 acres of established dry-

grown vines - but no cellar door - in 2018 after highly successful careers as senior finance

professionals at large multi-national companies in the UK and Australia.

And while they’ve produced some wine in that time, bushfires, smoke, hail and Covid meant

there was precious little of it. Plans for a cellar door stalled too.

But now, with the purchase of the former Mistletoe vineyard that includes a cellar door, things are finally starting to take off.

What they have in abundance is a passion for good wine … their successful careers enabled them to taste the finest international drops without having to worry too much about damage to the purse strings.

“We’d sit at home sipping wine and dreaming about one day owning our own vineyard and cellar door,” Emma said. “There’s no point having a dream if you don’t live it and we were fortunate we were able to do that.”

Latitude 32 -  the Hunter’s global position - officially opened on April 18 last year. 

“We bought this property at the end of last year,” Emma continued.

“We originally planned to build a cellar door on our home property on Deasys Road and plant more vines, but it didn’t work out. So when this came up, with its cellar door and 20 acres of established vines that produces some outstanding fruit, we grabbed it.”

It means Latitude 32 now has 35 acres of fruit in total over the two properties, covering semillon, chardonnay, shiraz, pinot noir and muscat. The plan is to plant more vines – in Emma’s own words, “go big or go home”.

“We do the usual varieties, but also a chardonnay-semillon blend which is popular – I don’t know why it ever went out of style – as well as the old Hunter Burgundy, a shiraz-pinot. “And I’m a huge chardonnay lover, so we do two chardonnays.”

Plus there’s a couple of surprises, in very small batches, from other regions, including a new smooth 2019 sangiovese from the Hilltops region.

See latitude32wines.com 

The perfect side trip from the Gold Coast beaches

 

Summer visitors to the beaches of Queensland's Gold Coast are being urged to take a side trip to the vineyards of the nearby Granite Belt.

Local tourism operators say the Granite Belt Wine Country's combination of cool summer nights, farm-fresh produce and natural beauty offer a contrast to the glitter strip. 

Nestled on the Great Dividing Range, the Granite Belt is emerging as a summer escape for foodies, wine lovers, and nature enthusiasts. 

Under a three-hour drive from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or Byron Bay, the region offers an alternative to the summer heat of the coast.

"Granite Belt Wine Country isn’t just about incredible wine - though we have that in abundance," said Chris Nolan, president of Granite Belt Wine & Tourism. 

"It’s about the cool, fresh nights you won’t find anywhere else in Queensland, paired with seasonal produce, iconic national parks, and cosy accommodation that feels like a home away from home."



The average nightly January temperature drops on average to 4-5 degrees cooler than Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

For nature enthusiasts, the Granite Belt boasts Girraween National Park, known for its dramatic granite outcrops, wildflowers, and wildlife.

“Summer has been amazing on the Granite Belt, we’ve had an incredible influx of tourists to the region all loving the cooler days and nights, low humidity, as well as seeing the vineyards blooming with life,” said Adam Penberthy, owner of the Ballandean Pub and Dear Vincent Wines.

“The pub has been bustling with out-of-towners coming in for a meal after a day exploring or swimming in our epic water holes, cooling off with a cold beer.

“At the cellar door, we’ve been amazed at how busy the summer season has been. Guests have loved our summer release wines Sunshine and our Pink Fizz Pet Nat, perfect for a long lunch under the shade of the 100-year-old olive tree.”

For more info about planning a Granite Belt getaway visit the Granite Belt Country website here.

Images: Georgie Lillis

Bordeaux winemakers pushing "drink local" initiative

Winemakers in New South Wales often complain they do not get enough support from restaurants in Sydney.

It might be cold comfort that Bordeaux region producers are having similar problems and are launching "drink local" initiatives.

The Bordeaux city hall and local wine groups are putting €30,000 towards creating a tasting program of local wines by the glass and encourage wine lists to be more Gironde-based, Vitisphere reports. 

"Bordeaux wines by the glass in Bordeaux" will soon launch in restaurants, bars and hotels in the region featuring three Bordeaux appellation wines in red, white and rosé at "an affordable price".

And each trio of wines will feature at least one organic wine.

The campaign is being orchestrated by the Bordeaux Wine Interprofessional Council (CIVB) to make the Bordeaux metropolitan area a showcase for its AOCs.

It is supported by the Bordeaux city hall, the Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Hotel Trades and Industries (UMIH).

The aim of the operation is to increase the number of Bordeaux establishments that adhere to the Bordeaux local initiative (requiring that 50% of the wines offered on the menu be from Bordeaux).

CIVB president Allan Sichel told local media: "We need to convert the reluctant, those who have no or too few Bordeaux wines on their menu."

New wine tasting options unveiled at Castle Rock

Castle Rock Estate has emerged as a wine powerhouse in the Porongurup region of Western Australia's Great Southern.

Castle Rock has just launched three new wine experiences in addition to the complimentary offerings in its cellar door.

These experiences are designed to offer visitors a deeper understanding of the region and its wines.

The vineyard was established in 1983 by Angelo and Wendy Diletti and is now run by their son Rob.

Their 200-tonne winery was constructed in 2000 and in 2015 Rob Diletti was named Wine Companion Winemaker of the Year.

The new wine flights offer bookable seated tastings at the cellar door, exploring either the riesling or pinot noir ranges.

The cellar door provides views of the Stirling Ranges and vineyards, creating a beautiful backdrop.

Each wine flight lasts about 30 minutes but guests can also choose a 60-minute Guided Vineyard and Winery Tour for those who want a glimpse behind the scenes.

The third experience is a Private Wine Flight (riesling or pinot noir) in the winery.

This tasting provides a more in-depth and intimate experience. It is also well-suited for larger groups, special occasions and group functions.

“An initiative by Tourism Western Australia has encouraged us to reflect on our current cellar door offering and how we can enhance customer experience by further showcasing what we’re about,” says winemaker and owner Rob Diletti.

Gift vouchers for wine experiences are available in time for Christmas.

For bookings, visit https://castlerockestate.com.au/wine-experiences/

Bird in Hand boosts links with Tasmania

Hobart’s Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is to link with Adelaide Hills wine producer Bird in Hand on a new project next year.

Bird in Hand, which has recently acquired vineyards on the Apple Isle, will introduce a tasting room, offer wine and food experiences, and manage the on-site restaurant and kiosk in the gardens.

A fine dining experience similar to Bird in Hand’s LVN Restaurant in Woodside will feature among the offerings, showcasing the produce, art, flora and fauna of Tasmania.

With work underway to redesign the food and beverage facilities throughout the gardens, Bird in Hand’s decision to pursue the contract with the Botanical Gardens strengthens its growth strategy in Tasmania.

This includes the recent acquisition of a long-term winery lease in Rowella, in the West Tamar, and ongoing wine production at its Seymour property, located on the east coast of the island state.

The upcoming tasting room at the Botanical Gardens will showcase Bird in Hand’s new Tasmania range, set to launch later this year, along with a selection of other locally crafted beverages.

“With our expansion of wine production in Tasmania, our winemaking team is focused heavily on showcasing the cool-climate qualities of the region,” says Andrew Nugent, who co-founded Bird in Hand with wife Susie.

“What better place to now pour these spectacular varietals than one of Australia’s premier gardens? When paired with our culinary vision for the Botanical Gardens andthe Bird in Hand service style, it’s an alignment we are excited to see evolve over the coming years.”

The 14-hectare Botanical Gardens has nurtured rare, native and intriguing plants for over 200 years.

“The Bird in Hand estate in Woodside showcases a core pillar of the brand: an enduring respect for the Indigenous cultures and traditional owners of the land upon which we are situated. This is something inherent in our operations and an approach on which we place the utmost importance,” Nugent says.

“Our Woodside property also highlights Susie’s love of garden design. While the grounds are much smaller in scale and cross-section of plants, they are tended to equally in passion for nurturing natural places of joy and contemplation – an ever-changing backdrop to memorable moments of generous hospitality.”


Located at 11 Lower Domain Road, Queens Domain, Hobart, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens open 365 days a year. Hospitality venue opening hours are yet to be announced.

A spring festival in the southern vineyards of Tasmania

If you love cool-climate wines and have been meaning to escape to Tasmania for a few days then the weekend of November 1-3 might be the perfect opportunity. 

No fewer than 37 wine producers from the Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley and the Huon Valley/d'Entrecasteaux Channel are teaming up for Spring in the Vines, the fourth edition of a weekend of tastings and entertainment. 

They range from big names like Frogmore Creek, Pooley, Derwent Estate, Nocton and Bream Creek to tiny wineries like Yellow Point, Premaydena Hill, and Saltwater River Wines, perhaps making just 100 dozen cases off the beaten track. 

Spring in the Vines is presented by Wine South Tasmania who have teamed up with several top Hobart hotels and local wine tour guides to show off the wine trails across the south of the island state.

Tasmania is known for its pinot noir, chardonnay, sparkling wines and riesling, but there are also adventurous producers including Kate Hill Wines, who produce shiraz from the coldest and southernmost shiraz vineyard in the country. 

Plan your visit at https://www.winesouth.com.au/events

You can drive yourself, or join a chauffeured wine tour with The Derwent Experience, Ageing Barrel Tours, or Apple Isle Wine Tours. 

Hotels offering discounted rates of up to 15% for the weekend include The Tasman, Hadley’s Orient Hotel, The Old Woolstore and MACq 01. 

Wine region builds on what Russians started 200 years ago

It is 200 years since migrant adventurers from Russia planted the first vines in what is now one of the major vineyard regions in the US: Sonoma County.

The history of those migrants lives on in names like the Russian River Valley and Sebastopol.

The first vines in the region were planted at Fort Ross on the Sonoma coast and this milestone in California's wine industry will be marked at events like the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival.

Two centuries on and Sonoma towns like Healdsburg and Petaluma are magnets for wine and food lovers from around the world, particularly given they are only a short drive north of San Francisco.

Among the summer drawcards are the Russian River Valley Wine Weekend, which runs from August 2-4 and showcases local wines with live music performances.

The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation hold the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, celebrating Sonoma Valley's rich winemaking heritage during California Wine Month.

Against the backdrop of the historic colonial Sonoma Plaza, visitors can enjoy a weekend filled with food, wine, and communal festivities. 

Attendees can experience the festival spirit through events like Vintage Movie Night, the Sonoma Valley Harvest Dinner at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Blessing of the Grapes, Sonoma Valley Grape Stomp, and the Artisan Festival of Food & Wine from September 26-29.

For more information visit sonomacounty.com

ECHO Native Bounty Feast teams up with wine festival

Tasmania's boutique ECHO Festival is to reprise it popular Native Bounty Feast as part of the Great Eastern Wine Week this spring.

ECHO Festival’s foodie feast takes place annually in March during autumn’s harvest.

This year, however, will also see a ‘spring edition’.

The Native Bounty Feast is a shared food experience that showcases local and indigenous produce.

The ‘spring edition’ will be held at Spring Vale Wines at Cranbrook in a marquee among the vines. Dishes can be paired with Spring Vale wines.

The GEWW Native Bounty Feast will be prepared by Tasmanian private chef Simon Ford, of Marefold, who is based on Bruny Island.

Ford has cooked on super yachts, on private estates and even on private planes.

Ticketsare $140 including a welcome drink and the event will run from 6.30pm to 10pm on Saturday, September 7.

Book here: https://eastcoastwinetrail.com.au/event/echos-native-bounty-feast/

Dates for ECHO 2025 are Match 14-16.

Kiwis to get a special Penfolds wine experience

New Zealand wine lovers have a treat in store if they can snare a spot at the Penfolds Winter Wine Weekend at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs from August 23-25.

The event will be hosted by Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago, fresh from his global tour to launch the 2020 vintage of Penfolds Grange.

The Northlands resort will showcase a selection of iconic and rare Penfolds wines.

Penfolds is this year celebrating 180 years of winemaking and the event will include a Penfolds Special Bin-themed Masterclass and a five-course “tasting menu” dinner.

A 35-year Penfolds veteran, Gago is a fun and enthusiastic host with a host of fascinating tales to share.

The weekend at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs will begin with a Friday evening cocktail reception and “meet and greet" with Gago, before guests enjoy a relaxed dinner in the lodge.

Saturday morning will see a tutored wine tasting, taking wine lovers through a line-up of Special Bin Penfolds wines, from the 1990 Bin 920 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz to the special release 2021 Bin 180 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz.

Free afternoon time allows lodge guests time for a round of golf, a spa experience, or a tour, followed by the five-course tasting menu prepared by Rosewood Kauri Cliffs chef Jonathan Brandao, matched to such iconic wines as Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay, and not one, but two, vintages of Grange.

If you need to ask how much then, like me, you probably can't afford it.

The tariff for two nights is NZ $5800 (inclusive of tax + GST) for two people based on double occupancy.

For reservations at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs phone +64 9 407 0010 or email kauricliffs.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com

Image: Hilary Walker   

Regional wine pioneer to shut up shop

 

One of the pioneering wineries in the Central West of NSW is to close up after 30 years.

Margaret Wallington, who runs a 1000-acre organic farm outside Canowindra in the Central Ranges, has announced the closure of Wallington Wines.

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Wallington Wines is wrapping up," she said in a social media post and newsletter to customers.

"I have had to make the very difficult decision to sell the Wallington Farm and focus on my health and family," she said.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported our family boutique winery since we planted the first vines in 1992.

"With the enormous growth of the Cowra wine region in the 1990s I enjoyed being a part of such an exciting time for the region and threw myself into driving our region forward.

"I have had enormous pride for the achievements especially within Canowindra."

The first Wallington wines were made by Iain Riggs in 1995 and 1996 before Murray Smith of Canobolas Smith Wines in Orange took over. Margaret has made her own wines in the one-site straw bale winery since 2000, and subsequently converted to organics and biodynamics.

" I felt that these practices would allow us to create more authentic and sustainable wines," she said. "I was passionate about working with the land to create more resilient ecosystems. This has been a core value of our winemaking at Wallington and values I am proud to have passed onto my children."

Wallington lost her husband Anthony in 2003 and has been a solo parent to four children.

One, daughter Nadja and her partner Steve Mobbs, joined Wallington several years ago and now run their own vineyard: ChaLou in Orange.

"So while it is the end of an era here at Wallington, I am excited to see what they will achieve and see the wines they will craft," Margaret said.

There is a closing down sale on right now at https://www.wallingtonwines.com.au/store Use the code WINEWALLY for 20% off.

From Beelbangera to a bottle store near you

 

If you are an habitué of liquor stores then you might be familiar with wine labels including Two Monkeys, The Drover, Nericon, La Sagra Prosecco and D-Reserve.

All are brands from a Riverina producer known as Dee Vine Estate, based at Beelbangera, which is a tiny speck on the map.

Beelbangera lies about two kilometres north-east of Griffith and about seven kilometres south-west of Yenda. The last time anyone counted, the population was under 400 people.

The big surprise for me: how well made the wines are across a broad spread of ranges and price points.

If you are looking for wines that don't bust the budget then wines from these ranges might be worth a look: particularly the shirazes, impressive across the board, and the vibrant young aromatic whites, designed for immediate drinking pleasure.

Dee Vine Estate was founded on two vineyards established by siblings Michele and Domenico Scarfone soon after they emigrated to Australia from southern Italy in 1956. 

Three generations later, family members Adrian Bianchini and Fernando Rombola have significantly expanded on the original Nericon holdings, yet the goal remains the same: to craft affordable Riverina table wines.



The first vines were planted in 1957, with the vision of producing traditional Italian table wines for the Australian wine drinker. 

"With almost 30 years working as a local grower of quality produce myself, I teamed up with fellow director Fernando Rombola and together we have significantly expanded our grandfathers' original parcel of land," says Bianchini.  

"We have remained true to our grandfathers' principles through every step of the journey; continuing a passion for fine wine and dedication to produce a remarkably distinctive product."

The geography of the vineyards is made up mainly of low-lying flood plains with a hot climate and plenty of irrigation from the Murrumbidgee River. 

The winemakers at Dee Vine Estate believe that "everyone who enjoys drinking wine should have access to a quality wine that is a pleasure to drink". 

In keeping with this, they "place concerted effort in the production of all of their wines to make them affordable and accessible to all."

And there are more vineyards on the way. 

The goal of the estate is to develop a sustainability plan, reduce energy use, use recycled packaging, incorporate recycling into the estate processes, and set standards to meet long-term sustainability goals.

That's great, but the prices are even better. 

The easy drinking wines in The Driver range have an RRP of $8. The Two Monkeys wines are around $9, and the Estate range sits at the $12 price point. The more complex Nericon range fetches $20 and the D-Reserve, made from grapes sourced from the cooler Adelaide Hills, also sit at around $20.

My favourites included the Two Monkeys 2023 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and the Dee Vine Estate Range 2022 Merlot.

Try one of the bargain buys. I suspect you might be pleasantly surprised.  

See https://www.deevineestate.com/